Indian captain Rohit Sharma and ace batter Virat Kohli are likely to miss the ODI series against Sri Lanka later this year.

The duo will reportedly be rested, given a long Test season ahead at home. Rohit’s absence in the series will see either Hardik Pandya or KL Rahul stepping into the captain’s shoes.

As reported by PTI, Rohit and Kohli, who recently retired from T20Is, have sought a longish break from the BCCI, considering the gruelling last three months since the start of IPL.

For 37-year-old Rohit, it has been close to six months since he took a break. The Mumbaikar played every series since the South Africa Test series in December-January, followed by Afghanistan T20Is, England Test series, IPL and the recently-concluded T20 World Cup.

“Both are automatic choices in ODI set up and the three 50-over games against England before the Champions Trophy is good enough practice for them. For next few months, they both will prioritize Tests and India will play 10 of them between September to January,” a source was quoted as saying by the news agency.

India will play 2 Tests versus Bangladesh, followed by three against New Zealand before flying to Australia for five Tests in the much-awaited Border Gavaskar Trophy at the end of this year. It is understood that selectors as well as the two seniors would like to manage their workload judiciously.

“The Champions Trophy will happen in mid-February and they don’t need to go for a week-long 3-match ODIs in Sri Lanka. If they want, they are most welcome but I guess they would want rest,” the source added.

In Rohit’s absence, Pandya looks the most likely choice but KL Rahul, who led the ODI squad in South Africa can’t be ruled out either.

Source: News18
--Agencies